Water and Maintenance Technician

Fishhawk Lake Reserve and Community (FLRC) is a small community located in Birkenfeld, Oregon, made up of full-time and part-time residents who value the natural beauty of Oregon. We are currently seeking a Water and Maintenance Technician to perform operation and maintenance activities to maintain FLRC infrastructure for the wastewater collections and storm sewer systems, drinking water processing, and general community maintenance and repairs. The Technician will proactively work as a member of the operations team ensuring safety, efficiency and high quality. Additionally, this role may at any time perform the full range of maintenance worker duties.

The Ideal Candidate:

This position requires experience and training in water and wastewater operations, facilities, and equipment maintenance. The ideal candidate must have a strong background and interest in troubleshooting problems; have collaborative decision-making skills; be independent and self-motivated; have a positive, can-do attitude; have excellent communication and technology skills; and be dedicated to the crucial services that FLRC Operations provides for the community.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Proper operation and maintenance of vehicles, tools and equipment, practices, methods, hazards and safety precautions used in the maintenance and repair of water systems; and, general equipment servicing methods.

Ability to: Operate heavy machinery used for dredging/excavating as needed. Ability to prioritize and organize tasks within specific timelines. Ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy, patience and tact in public contact and problem resolution.

Education and Experience: Typical education would include high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by additional specialized training. Typical experience would include a minimum of four years of experience with two years in heavy equipment operating or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties. Ideal applicant to have a minimum of 36 months of water plant operation at level II to meet the requirement to take the Filtration endorsement or a combination of experience and training to meet State certification requirement to take level II exam.

Depending on area of assignment, may require possession of any or all of the following certifications:

• Valid Oregon or Washington Driver’s License is an essential function of the job. Failure to maintain licensure is grounds for disqualification of continued employment

• Oregon-Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate

• Oregon-Grade II Water Treatment (w/ Filtration Endorsement)

• Oregon-Grade II Waste Water Treatment Operator Certificate

• Oregon-Grade I Waste Water Collection System

Desirable Qualifications: Advanced experience running heavy machinery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate strong water operations skills to maintain and strengthen FLRC’s drinking water processing, wastewater collections and storm sewer systems.

• Work closely with the Board of Directors, Water and Maintenance Supervisor and Operations team to assess and plan for the short and longer-range maintenance of the collections and sewer system. Alert appropriate personnel of unusual or emergency situations and recommend responses to meet problems.

• Determine equipment, parts and materials needed for work. Ensure that all necessary tools, equipment, materials and training are available to accomplish work. Perform work with appropriate use of materials, methods, tools and equipment, including safety measures and safe practices. Order and maintain sufficient materials for inventory stock and scheduled projects.

• Prepare, sign and submit necessary reports to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and other public agencies as required.

• Help review and analyze engineering plans from a practical standpoint and provide recommendations to the Board of Directors to assist in decision-making regarding infrastructure. If needed, represent FLRC on maintenance and construction work performed by outside contractors.

• Operate equipment and participate in activities of the assigned crew as necessary, including testing, inspecting and maintaining pump stations and piping, conducting locates and/or ensuring sites have utility locations as required. Respond to various questions, resolve problems and provide technical assistance that arise at the work site and make decisions within established policy guidelines.

• Maintain professional, respectful and cooperative working relationships with the FLRC Board of Directors, staff, other organizations and the public.

• Follow all safety rules and standard operating procedures for work areas. Correct and/or report unsafe conditions to appropriate personnel.

• Regular weekend/holiday work required.